Dermal fillers have really taken the cosmetic rejuvenation world by storm. They’re an incredibly versatile treatment for a multitude of patient goals, including filling in lines and wrinkles, restoring lost facial volume, enhancing features such as the lips, and more. Dr. David Mashhadian at Rodeo Surgical Art brings his unparalleled skill with injectables to every dermal filler session, so his patients leave not only satisfied with their look, but inspired.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Skin isn’t the only thing to lose volume with age. Muscles and fatty tissues thin out as well, which can contribute to a haggard, weathered appearance none of us want to be reflected in the mirror. Dermal fillers combat this in a variety of ways.
Many of today’s most popular fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel, one of the body’s most important tools in nourishing and hydrating skin. When expertly injected to restore volume and minimize wrinkles, these fillers, such as Juvéderm® and Restylane®, hydrate and plump the skin to youthful suppleness with soft curves to the features that take years off your appearance. Other fillers, such as Radiesse® and BellaFill®, are made of microspheres from unique materials that stimulate collagen production and provide a scaffolding for those collagen fibers to adhere to. The immediate lift provided by the gel is slowly replaced by skin with greater collagen density.
How Long Will My Fillers Last?
That depends on which dermal filler you’ve selected and what you’re trying to achieve with it. A lot of the longevity of your particular filler treatment depends on what brand and consistency of filler you’re having.
Juvéderm® and Restylane® injectables most frequently average between 6-12 months, with Juvéderm® Vollure possibly stretching to 18 months. Radiesse® and BellaFill® are both collagen induction fillers, and as such, their gel forms may absorb into the body after about 1 year, but the collagen they stimulate prolongs the results of the fillers into the years beyond. For BellaFill®, your results may continue for an incredible 5 years.
What Affects Dermal Filler Longevity?
Every patient is different, and as such, gel absorption rates can vary. The location of your dermal filler treatment can also affect how long your injectables last. HA-based dermal fillers used in the area around the mouth tend to metabolize faster because that is the face’s most active area with the most muscle movement, while HA fillers in the cheeks or around the eyes can last a bit longer. The number of units you have injected can also determine how long your dermal filler lasts, as more gel takes more time for the body to absorb.
While filler results are not permanent, consider having touch-ups to prolong the volume of your injections. It may take 12 months to reach full absorption, but some fillers can begin to degrade sooner than that. This likely won’t affect how your volume looks right away, as the HA based fillers absorb water and stay looking plump. However, a touch-up appointment with one or two syringes can keep your results looking fresh and lasting longer. By not waiting until your filler is fully absorbed, you can have the same great results with less filler to maintain your youthful appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are well-tolerated by most patients who are interested in the benefits they can provide, such as plumping facial features, reducing lines and wrinkles, and restoring lost facial volume. Men and women alike have used dermal fillers for prevention of the signs of aging as well as putting off the need for more intensive interventions, such as a facelift. A comprehensive consultation at Rodeo Surgical Art is a great place to start.
